They were very sad to greet Zakkie Bester at the end of October who was the CEO for 18 years to pursue new endeavors. His hard work and dedication to the company is entrenched in the culture of Riebeek Cellars and Andre Engelbrecht will just build on from that to take them to greater pastures.
André started his career in the wine industry as Financial Manager at Riebeek Cellars. During his time he added a Post-Graduate Diploma in Tax Law, Programme in Wine Management and a MBA (Cum Laude) to his B. Com (Management Accounting) degree, all from the University of Stellenbosch. He is looking forward to create a shared vision for the wine producers in the Swartland region and to help implement the changes needed to reach this vision.
Alecia Boshoff who is no new name to the wine industry has been part of the team since end of 2004 as the winemaker at Riebeek Cellars and at the end of 2015 she was promoted to production manager. Her portfolio now expands to become the new bulk wine sales manager. She is a born Swartlander, an experienced winemaker and has a huge passion for wine. She possesses a BSc degree in viticulture and oenology as well as a MBA at the University of Stellenbosch.
This intimate close knit winery on the western coast of the Cape Province celebrates 75 years in the wine industry with their recipe to success being to respect what they have and being passionate and caring in what they do with it. Their team members also play a big part in this flourishing cellar to produce high quality wines, which makes Riebeek Cellars the choice of wine buyers internationally. Well-known both in South Africa and abroad, Riebeek Cellars manages a variety of brands for various countries.
A tradition of uncomplicated simplicity is followed. You’ll recognise it in the unpretentious people who call the Valley home. You’ll experience it in the warm yet humble country hospitality for which they’re known. But, above all, you’ll taste it in a range of wines that balance mild, wet winters with the fruity concentration of hot, dry summers, all born of superb soils and honed in a cellar where time-honoured processes live side-by-side with the best modern wine making techniques.
The new executive team is sure to fulfil their vision to be the premium wine lifestyle brand of choice in South Africa and to establish and grow a sustainable footprint in the international Markets. For more information or queries, please call 022 448 1213 or email info@riebeekcellars.co.za.